You know, the coming switch to digital TV isn’t exactly rocket science, but we’re betting plenty of people are still going to end up feeling confused and angry come February of next year.

Here’s a list of things to do now and in the coming months to make sure your annoyance level stays low.

Two important things to remember: if your $40 coupon from the government has expired (they only last 90 days from when they’re mailed), you can always ask a friend, relative, or neighbor to request one and give it to you. Of course, this is assuming they don’t need a coupon because they use cable or satellite or have a digital TV.

Also, be aware that you may have to shell out for a better antenna, depending on where you live:

Buried in the fine print of the Federal Communications Commission’s website is a little warning about the “digital cliff” effect. If you live in an area near trees, hills and tall buildings, or depending on the material your house is made of, the digital signal may not reach your antenna. (It will fall off a cliff.) The result is pixelated pictures or the dreaded “no signal indicator.”

“Digital TV converter box reception problems” [Boston Examiner]
(Photo: Getty)

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